We are all Connected:self-awareness, education and reconciliation | Charmaine McCraw | TEDxLakeheadU

Thu May 15, 2025

In this powerful and heartfelt talk, Charmaine McCraw invites us to explore the deep interconnection between self-awareness, education, and reconciliation. Drawing from her lived experience as an Irish-Ojibwe woman and her leadership in Indigenous engagement, Charmaine shares how authentic relationships and grassroots collaboration can drive meaningful change.Through stories, insights, and lived wisdom, she challenges us to reflect on our roles — as individuals, organizations, and communities — in advancing reconciliation. With a focus on respect, relationship-building, and cultural understanding, Charmaine offers a path forward that is rooted in Indigenous knowledge and grounded in compassion.This talk is a call to action: to listen, to learn, and to walk together toward a more connected, inclusive, and equitable future. Charmaine McCraw is the Manager of Indigenous Engagement and Training at ORIGIN, an organization bridging Indigenous communities and employment while advancing reconciliation in corporate Canada. An Irish-Ojibwe woman from Caramat, Ontario, she is a proud daughter, mother, wife, and community advocate. With a BA from Lakehead University and over 15 years of experience in Community Economic and Social Development, Charmaine takes a grassroots, relationship-based approach to her work. She blends Indigenous knowledge with modern strategies to create culturally grounded, sustainable solutions. Her leadership has helped build capacity and create meaningful job opportunities for Indigenous job seekers across Northern Ontario, while fostering partnerships rooted in respect and collaboration. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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